26,491 Data Points: How HX Turned Arctic Cruises Into a Science Powerhouse
HX Expeditions closes 2026 Arctic season with record 26,491 citizen science contributions and AI whale detection trial.
The world’s oldest expedition cruise operator combined deep polar expertise with cutting-edge technology, turning thousands of guests into field researchers across 31 Arctic sailings.
The season marked HX’s 130th anniversary, a milestone that underscored its evolution from a 19th-century exploration venture to a modern science-driven operation. In 1896, its first voyage to Svalbard brought together scientists and guests eager to study the Arctic. Today, HX has scaled that mission, integrating citizen science into every expedition and partnering with universities and tech firms to advance polar research.
Science was not an afterthought this season, it was the core of the expedition experience. On every voyage, guests participated in at least two citizen science projects, contributing to nine distinct research programmes. The 26,491 submissions included 23,518 observations on iNaturalist, 1,286 marine mammal records for ORCA, and 1,183 eBird reports, among others. Expedition teams also conducted 363 dedicated science boat sessions, allowing travellers to engage directly with field research.
The contributions extended beyond data collection. Guests and crew collected 308.44 kg of waste during beach clean-ups, while NASA’s GLOBE Cloud Observer programme received 203 reports on Arctic cloud cover.
AI and Whales: The Future of Arctic Marine Monitoring
One of the season’s most groundbreaking initiatives was the AI WAVE (Whales and Arctic Vessels) project, a collaboration between Heriot-Watt University and marine monitoring specialist Seiche. The trial, conducted aboard the MS Fram, deployed a Smart Visual Detection System to monitor whales in real time using thermal imaging and artificial intelligence. The system, which began testing on the ship’s voyage from Dover to Svalbard, continued throughout the Arctic summer, gathering data on species like narwhal, beluga, and bowhead whales.
The technology combines thermal cameras, high-definition imagery, and machine learning to identify whale blows and surface activity. The goal? To develop automated alert systems that could help vessels avoid collisions and reduce disturbance in sensitive Arctic waters. The project also served as a model for cross-sector collaboration, demonstrating how science, shipping, and technology can work together to protect marine ecosystems.
For guests, the AI trial was more than just a research project, it was an immersive learning experience. The system’s real-time data was integrated into onboard wildlife observations, deepening travellers’ understanding of Arctic biodiversity.
Beyond the ship, HX expanded its educational offerings with a new free Svalbard course, developed in partnership with the University of Tasmania. The course, which follows similar programmes for Alaska and Antarctica, provides guests with expert-led modules on the archipelago’s wildlife, ecosystems, and history before they embark.
The season also saw record demand for premium expedition travel, with HX reporting its highest-ever suite bookings. The company’s Greenland Promise, which offers flexible rebooking options if a sailing is cancelled or if government advisories discourage travel, has been extended through the end of 2028. Guests who opt to transfer to another HX expedition receive an additional 20% Future Cruise Credit, providing added peace of mind for Arctic travellers.
As HX looks ahead, the 2026 Arctic season stands as a testament to the power of combining exploration with science. With 26,491 data points collected, a world-first AI trial underway, and a growing network of educational partnerships, the company is not just navigating the Arctic, it’s helping to safeguard its future.
Sign up free to ask CAMAL AI for a summary, the key points or anything else about this story.
Related stories
CAMAL AI
Financial Ports Newsletter
The maritime economy, every morning
Ports, shipping and freight markets in one short email. Free.
